Letter: The big guys always get their way

Monday

Jul 21, 2014 at 12:01 AM

The big guys always

The big guys always

get what they want

I would like to take exception to Steve Urbon's recent description of community opposition to a cell tower in Dartmouth as a simple case of NIMBYism (Steve Urbon: Pier pressure here, NIMBYs there," July 11).

It is not that simple. There is a serious issue of fairness at stake here. There are more than 20 areas in Dartmouth designated in the town bylaws, Article 87, as "Scenic Roads." Homeowners and businesses located on these Scenic Roads have restrictions regarding trees, landscaping and paving. They are legally required to abide by these restrictions to maintain the town's scenic character.

How is it fair that a major corporation can propose to build on a designated scenic road a tower that, when completed, will be nearly twice as high as the town's 90-foot height restriction? How does this not negatively affect the intent of the scenic road designation? Why is it that the little guys are the only ones who have to play by the rules?

Of course everyone wants to have good cell service and understands that it will require cell towers. But in this case, the utility company is proposing the biggest and most profitable plan for themselves and the other carriers they would lease space to on the tower. What is in AT&T's best interests is not necessarily in the town's best interest.

Our Zoning Board needs to do its due diligence. The town needs to have its own experts evaluate the utility company data. If this proposed tower on Gulf Road goes up without adequate review, the precedent will be set that "scenic road" regulations in Dartmouth only apply to the little guys, not big corporations.

Our zoning board needs to protect our town bylaws and the spirit behind them without being bullied by the threat of lawsuits. Many communities have overlay districts for cell towers in much the same way that adult bookstores are restricted to particular parts of town.

It is time for Dartmouth to make a plan for cell tower expansion that will give us better cell service and still maintain the character of our 350-year-old town.

Deborah Ehrens

Dartmouth

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.